But choosing the right size window AC unit or central air conditioner for your room or whole home isn’t just a matter of more is better. In fact, getting an air conditioner that’s too large for your house could create just as many problems as one that’s too small. If the air conditioner is too big, it could lead to your unit cycling on and off too often, which reduces its ability to remove humidity from your air, increases your electric bills, and can lead to hotspots and uneven cooling in your home. Here’s how to decide if you’re getting the right size air conditioner to help you stay cool this summer. RELATED: The 9 Best Portable Air Conditioners to Use This Summer Other factors that could impact how many BTUs per square foot you need include things like how much insulation you have, how many windows are in the room, and even if you have high ceilings. Central air conditioners cover your whole house with a single unit, allowing you to stay cool in every room of your house. But they can be more expensive to install, especially if you’re trying to retrofit them into a home. Window AC units are easier for a DIYer to install, but only cool one room off at a time—and require access to a window. Portable air conditioners allow you to move the cooling capabilities from room to room, and some models don’t require venting to the outside. RELATED: The 11 Best Window Air Conditioners to Cool Your Home This Summer, According to Reviews
